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Public comment period open on preliminary FEMA flood maps through January 18, 2024

[DULUTH, MN] The City of Duluth has created a web portal for Duluth landowners who wish to comment on the proposed Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Landowners may use this web portal to review current and (proposed) preliminary FIRM maps, learn the meaning of flood hazard designations, and submit official comments and appeals to FEMA via the City of Duluth.

FEMA has produced the proposed Preliminary FIRMs with updated data and newer technology to more accurately represent flood risk in Duluth.  The new maps help landowners better understand flood risks, which allows for more informed decisions about how to protect against flood risk.

The updated flood maps are currently considered preliminary, meaning that they are in draft form and open for public input.  FEMA will consider two types of responses to the Preliminary FIRMs: A “comment” to point out incorrect street names, typographical errors, or omissions, and an “appeal” of the flood hazard designation (i.e. Zone A, AE, AE with Floodway) for a property.  It is important to note that the sole basis for such appeals is the possession of knowledge or information indicating the proposed flood hazard determinations are scientifically or technically incorrect.

Once all comments and appeals have been addressed and the maps are adopted by FEMA, the new FIRMs will become final and effective.

The City will review all comments and appeals submitted on January 18, 2024 and forward eligible items to FEMA by the deadline.

To access the portal and make input, please visit https://duluthmn.gov/planning-development/fema-map-comment/.

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